THE TAXONOMY, DEVELOPMENT AND BROODING BEHAVIOR OF THE ANEMONE,<i>CRIBRINOPSIS FERNALDI</i>SP. NOV

Abstract

Cribrinopsis fernaldi is described as a new species of sea anemone from the San Juan Archipelago, Washington. This species is distinguished from the other members of the genus by the presence of approximately 96 tentacles and 96 pairs of mesenteries arranged hexamerously. The cnidom is distinctive and consists of spirocysts, basitrichs, microbasic p-mastigophores, and atrichs.During March, freshly collected specimens of C. fernaldi spawned in the laboratory. The female anemones retained their eggs in the gastrovascular cavity and fertilization occurred internally. The embryos developed in the cavities of the tentacles and pseudospherules.Some embryos were removed from the tentacles of the adult on day 1 (early cleavage), and day 7, day 13 (planula), and day 34. These continued their development and metamorphosed and settled at the same time as the larvae which remained in the adult until natural release. It is concluded that the brooding behavior is protective rather than nutritive in function.